Beverage from Coleus aromaticus reduces leptin levels and improves appetite rating in human volunteers

Coleus aromaticus: a therapeutic herb with multiple potentials

The herb Coleus aromaticus belonging to Lamiaceae family and Coleus genus is known by numerous names in different parts of the world and several language specific vernacular names. The herb has been extensively studied as well as reported in several fields of science. The multiple potential of the herb includes allelopathic potential, antibacterial property, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal property; free radical scavenging and radio-protective components from herb extracts and most recently the appetizing potential of the herb have been reported. The herb has carvacrol and thymol as the major components responsible for the flavour; while chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid etc. as the phenolic components. The herb has been used in therapeutic and medicinal applications as well as in culinary preparations.

Studies on effect of irradiation on functional properties of two ready-to-drink appetizer beverages and their shelf lives

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to extend the shelf life of juice/fluids and reduce the thermal damage of their functional components. Thermal processing is a universal method used to extend the shelf lives of juice/fluids. However, combination processing thought to be beneficial in extending the shelf life with least possible thermal damage. The shelf life of the two thermally processed appetizer beverages, i.e. ginger beverage and karpurvalli beverage was established up to six months.

Design/methodology/approach

– Both appetizer beverages were processed using irradiation in combination with heat treatment. A short thermal treatment at 95°C for 5 minutes was given to the bottled beverages, and these were then irradiated with different dosages of 1, 2 and 3 kGy. The samples were stored at room temperature (18-33°C), as well as at 37°C and periodically analysed for changes in pH, acidity, TSS, browning index, antioxidant activity and gingerol/carvacrol contents and for their microbiological quality.

Findings

– The results revealed that in both products, the antioxidant activity and the gingerol/carvacrol content reduced, making these microbiologically safe up to eight months. However, combination of irradiation was not found suitable for the appetizer beverages due to more than 50 per cent losses in the functional components.

Research limitations/implications

– The combination of thermal and irradiation processing was effective to ensure microbial safety and extend the shelf life of beverages. However, it may not be suitable for preserving all functional properties.

Originality/value

– The outcome is result of original work done, and information provided can be a preamble to the researchers targeting improved stability of functional beverages.